Preserving education history

Published: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 4:12 p.m.

I sit at Table 16 and listen as Tracy Williams, a former student, honors me with the Champion of Education Award.

Although we are separated from each other by more than a hundred dinner guests, the public address system carries her words to me as if we were the only two people in the room.

Tracy, in recognizing me, quotes from the poet Robert Frost. Frost deflected personal praise. He felt discomfort when called “poet.” He said that “poet” was a praise word and should be used rarely. I feel the same way about “teacher.” To have been a part of the education community of Henderson County is honor enough.

During the past year (2012), the idea of creating a committee dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of education in Henderson County became a reality.

The 100th anniversary of Rosa Edwards School (now the central office building on 4th Avenue West) was celebrated, and the 9th Avenue/6th Avenue School commemorative marker was repositioned on 6th Avenue West at Oakdale cemetery.

Under the excellent leadership of former West Henderson Coach Rick Wood, the Henderson County Education History Initiative is organized and committed to realizing its mission. The three sponsoring groups include the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, the Henderson County Education Foundation and the Henderson County Board of Public Education. The committee: Patsy Farmer Jones, Nancy C. Edwards, Malvern “Buddy” West, Drew Brannon, Barbara Case Blaine, Lisa Edwards and Shannon Baldwin.

The committee is planning two celebration-recognitions for spring 2013: in April, at the Cradle of Education in Henderson County, Mills River Academy; and in May, at the former Edneyville High School.

A room has been set aside on the second floor of HCPS Central Office equipped with telephone connection, filing cabinets and work space for research. The committee is already receiving education-history artifacts.

Ledbetter gave a lifetime of service to public education. During her career of service to Henderson County public schools, she worked in payroll, textbooks and accounting. In 1975 she assumed the position of finance officer. Her 43 years of continuous service (July 1, 1948-June 1, 1992) are legendary.

Wheeler was the director of physical education for Henderson County Schools. He retired in 1986. He served as director of the Outdoor Education program from 1986-1996. His citation read: “Wheeler has done more to influence the basic elementary physical education program in the state than any other person. His programs are known all over the state and nation.”

Spearman had a unique appreciation of the value of hard work. He championed educational advancement, particularly training and retraining the local work force. It is very doubtful that the many accomplishments of Blue Ridge Community College would have been possible without his strong leadership as board chair.

Since that first year, the number of honorees has risen to more than 80 — each one a “champion of education in Henderson County.”

HCEHI mission statement: The Henderson County Education History Initiative will methodically seek, collect and organize all known information about education in Henderson County, so that an accurate history can be documented, preserved and made available in accessible forms for present and future generations. (Telephone HCEHI at 697-4733.)

I have always found that accepting praise is more difficult than receiving criticism. Don’t ask me why.

I will take advice given to me by my mother years ago and simply say, “Thank you” — to the Chamber of Commerce and to Tracy.

Sitting in that large dining area at Kenmure Country Club, I recall the sheer joy of teaching.

<p>I sit at Table 16 and listen as Tracy Williams, a former student, honors me with the Champion of Education Award.</p><p>Although we are separated from each other by more than a hundred dinner guests, the public address system carries her words to me as if we were the only two people in the room.</p><p>Tracy, in recognizing me, quotes from the poet Robert Frost. Frost deflected personal praise. He felt discomfort when called “poet.” He said that “poet” was a praise word and should be used rarely. I feel the same way about “teacher.” To have been a part of the education community of Henderson County is honor enough.</p><p>During the past year (2012), the idea of creating a committee dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of education in Henderson County became a reality.</p><p>The 100th anniversary of Rosa Edwards School (now the central office building on 4th Avenue West) was celebrated, and the 9th Avenue/6th Avenue School commemorative marker was repositioned on 6th Avenue West at Oakdale cemetery.</p><p>Under the excellent leadership of former West Henderson Coach Rick Wood, the Henderson County Education History Initiative is organized and committed to realizing its mission. The three sponsoring groups include the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, the Henderson County Education Foundation and the Henderson County Board of Public Education. The committee: Patsy Farmer Jones, Nancy C. Edwards, Malvern “Buddy” West, Drew Brannon, Barbara Case Blaine, Lisa Edwards and Shannon Baldwin.</p><p>The committee is planning two celebration-recognitions for spring 2013: in April, at the Cradle of Education in Henderson County, Mills River Academy; and in May, at the former Edneyville High School.</p><p>A room has been set aside on the second floor of HCPS Central Office equipped with telephone connection, filing cabinets and work space for research. The committee is already receiving education-history artifacts.</p><p>In 2003, the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame was created. The foundation is skillfully directed by Dr. Don Jones. Fourteen “education champions” were inducted that first year: R.G. Anders, Mary Kellogg Bell, Charles L. Byrd, C.F. Jervis. Ernest L. Justus, Dr. William D. Killian, Grace E. Ledbetter, John Marable, Glenn C. Marlow, Dr. Amy F. Pace, Hugh D. Randall, Susie Smith Sinclair, Joe D. Spearman Sr. and Dr. Kenneth B. “Keg” Wheeler. Ten are now deceased. Recently we lost Grace Ledbetter, Keg Wheeler and Joe Spearman.</p><p>Ledbetter gave a lifetime of service to public education. During her career of service to Henderson County public schools, she worked in payroll, textbooks and accounting. In 1975 she assumed the position of finance officer. Her 43 years of continuous service (July 1, 1948-June 1, 1992) are legendary.</p><p>Wheeler was the director of physical education for Henderson County Schools. He retired in 1986. He served as director of the Outdoor Education program from 1986-1996. His citation read: “Wheeler has done more to influence the basic elementary physical education program in the state than any other person. His programs are known all over the state and nation.”</p><p>Spearman had a unique appreciation of the value of hard work. He championed educational advancement, particularly training and retraining the local work force. It is very doubtful that the many accomplishments of Blue Ridge Community College would have been possible without his strong leadership as board chair.</p><p>Since that first year, the number of honorees has risen to more than 80 — each one a “champion of education in Henderson County.”</p><p>HCEHI mission statement: The Henderson County Education History Initiative will methodically seek, collect and organize all known information about education in Henderson County, so that an accurate history can be documented, preserved and made available in accessible forms for present and future generations. (Telephone HCEHI at 697-4733.)</p><p>I have always found that accepting praise is more difficult than receiving criticism. Don't ask me why.</p><p>I will take advice given to me by my mother years ago and simply say, “Thank you” — to the Chamber of Commerce and to Tracy.</p><p>Sitting in that large dining area at Kenmure Country Club, I recall the sheer joy of teaching.</p>